Stay Up-To-Date on CSLB Advertising Rules
Stay Up-To-Date on CSLB Advertising Rules
You already know about advertising in newspapers, magazines, and on radio and television airwaves but, for licensed contractors, advertising is more than that.
It's also:
- Your business card;
- Any contract proposal;
- Lettering on your trucks and other vehicles;
- Any sign or billboard identifying you or your company as a contractor;
- Any electronic transmission, including your company's website content;
- Any soliciting brochure, pamphlet, circular, or Internet ad you or anyone else posts or distributes;
- Any clothing or giveaway items that include your company name or logo; and
- Any directory or listing that states or implies you are a contractor requesting or looking for the kind of work that requires a contractor license under California Contractors License Law.
These specifications are in Section 861 of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) Rules and Regulations. They define what Business and Professions (B&P) Code Section (§) 7030.5 means when it says that licensed contractors are required to include their license numbers in "(a) all construction contracts; (b) subcontracts and calls for bid; and (c) all forms of advertising, as prescribed by the registrar of contractors." The civil penalty (pursuant to California Code of Regulations § 884) for not complying with this requirement is between $100 and $1,000 for a first offense.
Identifying Business Vehicles C-36 Plumbing, C-45 Sign, and C-57 Well-Drilling contractors must display the following information on each side of every business vehicle with commercial registration in letters at least 1.5 inches high (B&P § 7029.5):
- Business name;
- Permanent business address; and
- Contractor license number.
All other licensed contractors must display their business names and contractor license numbers on every one of their commercially-registered vehicles. The name and number must be in a clearly visible location in letters at least 3/4 inch high and wide (B&P § 7029.6).
Resources:
TEXT California Contractors State License Law and Reference Book (2019 edition)
CSLB Advertising Guidlines Brochure
